Episode #130: Electric Jesus with Chris White & Daniel Smith

The new film from director Chris White, Electric Jesus, tells the story of an '80s Christian heavy metal band, 316, and their struggles, trials, and travails trying to make it in a world in which Christians fear metal and metalheads aren't exactly fond of Christians. It's a heartfelt, really truly honest movie that finds new angles in following a struggling band on their first-ever tour, with fantastic performances both in the acting and the music which makes up so much of the film.

It helps that the music of Electric Jesus was written by Daniel Smith of indie rockers Danielson and sounds just like it could be found in the bins next to Stryper, Barren Cross, and Holy Soldier's output. The songs will lodge themselves in your brain pretty readily, and I've definitely added one or two to some recent playlists.

I spoke with director White and composer Smith about the making of Electric Jesus' soundtrack, the film itself, and more. A note: this Q&A sounds weird because Zoom was being really weird and I had to scramble to record my audio.

The soundtrack is out now digitally from Joyful Noise Recordings, and is out on vinyl June 7. You can order it here.

Tracklist (all songs from the Electric Jesus OST)

316, "Commandos for Christ"

316, "Barrabas"

316, "Girl (I Love Jesus Too)

316 with Sarah Wember, "This World is Not My Home"